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Roush Funeral Home, 205 S Ritchie Avenue, Ravenswood, WV (2026)

02/25/2026

Frank Lesko Akers Jr, age 85, of Ripley passed away February 23, 2026.

Preceded in death by his parents Frank and Anna Akers and sister Rosemary Saia.

Survived by Patsy Akers his loving and devoted wife of 64 years. Brother Mike (Vickie) Akers; daughter, Teresa (Eddie) Shank; sons, Chris (Susan) Akers, Stephen (Tina) Akers and Patrick Akers; grandchildren, Raegan (Scott) Wharton, Patrick Watson, Isaac (Katie) Akers, Kennedy Akers, Nic Akers and Wright Akers; great grandchildren, Aurora Wharton, Ezekiel Wharton and Stevie Akers; niece's, Stephanie (Ritchie) Johnsen and Aimee Notaro; nephew, Jeff (Mandy) Akers.

Frank loved his family dearly and was an avid fisherman (especially trout) and hunter. He worked at Century Aluminum and retired with 40 years of service. He was a compassionate, thoughtful and generous man.

The family wishes to thank family and friends for their love, prayers and support during this difficult time.

Family and Friends visitation will be at Roush Funeral Home 11:00-12:00, Service 12:00-1:00 and Grave Site Service, Jackson County Memorial Gardens 1:30-2:00 Friday February 27, 2026.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on our page or on our website at roushfuneralhome.net

02/24/2026

Ethan Bryant Dunlap lived. For 26, too few, years, Ethan really lived!

Ethan was born April 12, 1999 at 1 pound 8 oz. 12 in to Cameron and Cindy Dunlap of Ravenswood. His brother Evan Dunlap, his “brother from another mother” Chandler Dewees, his respite care “mother” Crystal Stagg, Grandparents Buddy and Phyllis Dunlap of Sod, WV, Grandparents Sandy and the late David Pittman of Ravenswood, aunts, uncles, and cousins join his parents in grieving the overwhelming emptiness of his passing on February 23, 2026.

Ethan didn’t live by “partying”, jumping out of airplanes, climbing mountains, or exploring the four corners of the world. He couldn’t. From the confines of his wheelchair and bed, Ethan lived with passion, joy, and laughter that puts the healthy and able bodied to shame because he never complained, whined or wallowed in self-pity — even though the challenges of his life gave him license. Ethan really lived, with gratitude and pleasure in and for the small everyday activities of being alive, playing games, joking, and hanging out with family and friends.

While we, his family and friends, grieve the loss of his wicked sense of humor, brilliant smile, presence and purpose he gave, we know today, he is standing straight and walking with all his family who have gone before.

Ethan, thank you for sharing your life with us.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and/or the Ronald McDonald House.

Friends may visit on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at the Ravenswood Church of The Nazarene from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Service will begin at 1:00 pm, with Reverend Ronald Perry officiating. Burial will follow at Ravenswood Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on our page or on our website at roushfuneralhome.net

02/20/2026

Michael (Mike) (Micky) Vernon Dunlap II, 58, left us on February 13, 2026 after a lengthy illness.
Mike was a Gentle Giant of a man with a huge giving heart.
Mike was born at the Glover Clinic in Madison, WV on April 14, 1967 to Michael V. Dunlap (Deceased) & Jacqueline Connie Browning Dunlap. He had one sister Tracy Rae Dunlap-Power-Lang (Deceased). Grandparents Clifford & Ruth Ryan Browning (Deceased) and Edward &Pauline Byus Dunlap, (Deceased). Father & Mother-in-law Richard & Rosemary McKown (Deceased)
He is survived by the love of his life, his Wife of 25 years, Joan Lea McKown Dunlap and his Mother Jacqueline Connie Browning Dunlap. Aunt Carole Browning Miller & Carl (Deceased), Uncle JC Browning (Deceased) & Yovonne, Aunt Judy Browning Rogers (Deceased) & John (Deceased), Uncle John Browning & Linda, Aunt Cathy Browning Strange & Paul, Aunt Jennifer (Robin) Browning Hill & Danny, Aunt Jovona Browning & Cavan, Brother-in-law Dickie McKown & Lori, Sister-in-law Kathy McKown Patton & Greg, Sister-in-law Rosemary McKown Burdette & Shannon and nieces, nephews, cousins, friends.
Brothers in Arms: Darrell Tally, Tim Asbury, Shawn Boggs, Les Moss, Brent Payne & Michael Lovejoy.
Special friends: Dave Chancey, Dennis Brown, Frank Fear, Don Nehlen, Carl Lee, Tex Williams, the late Sam Huff and many more.
He was a 1985 graduate of Poca High School and a member of Poca Baptist Church. Mike excelled and lettered in all sports with football being his forte. He was a Bally High School all American, 1984 recipient of the Hunt Award, Outstanding Football Lineman in the State, Thom McAn, National Scholar Athlete of the Year, AA Allstate First Team Lineman of the Year, AA All Southern First Team Offense (Outstanding Achievement), WV Sports Writers Association Recognition for Outstanding Ability, 1984 Morgantown Touchdown Club Player of the Year, Citizen of the Month Nitro WV, Inducted in the Tex William’s Artie Sports Legends Museum, Inducted into WV All Sports Legends many other awards and trophies during his high school years and was recognized as Hometown Hero in Ravenswood, WV for his charitable works. Produced Podcasts online through his “Talking to the Mike “venue. Mike was a true Mountaineer, Poca Dot, loved the Steelers and all veterans.
Service will be February 28, 2026, at Roush Funeral Home in Ravenswood, WV 26164. Viewing from 11:00 – 2:00 and service at 2:00 with Pastor Chris Skeens officiating.
A special thank you to Dr. James Spychalski, Dr. Magyar Tahbaz, nurses, staff, other doctors, chaplains at Camden Clark Hospital, friends, family and the many prayers for Mike and the family.
Condolences may be expressed on our page or on our website at roushfuneralhome.net

02/20/2026

Mary Louise Dillard Wade passed away peacefully to her eternal heavenly home on February 16, 2026. She was born in Charleston, WV to the late Glenmer and Alice (Morris) Dillard.
Mary graduated from Ironton High School in 1952. She went on to receive her RN degree from St. Mary’s School of Nursing in 1955.
She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who loved gospel music, sewing, shopping and vacationing every chance she got. Several will remember her during her time at the Ravenswood Care Center where she served as a supervising nurse. Over the years, many have shared how helpful and kind she was to everyone.
In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald/Jerry Wade, brothers Cabell, Bob and Guy Dillard, and grandson, Colin Ritz.
She is survived by her daughters, Mary Coulter (Mike), Jeri Ritz (Tim), Sheila and Sandra Wade; grandchildren, Kari and Alex Coulter, Brendan Ritz, Josh, Kaleigh and Lauran Mitchell; great-grandchildren, Audrey and Zander Mitchell, Silas Hardman and Willow Matheny.
The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff at Ravenswood Village for the loving, kind and compassionate care they showed their mother. And thanks, also, to Roush Funeral Home for their professional and compassionate service. Per Mary’s wishes, there will be no public service.
Condolences may be expressed on our page or on our website at roushfuneralhome.net

02/20/2026

Hugh Chambers “Mickey” Ballard of Portland, Ohio, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2026 at the age of 57. Mickey was born on October 11, 1968 to Hugh “Dusty” Jr. and Julia Ballard in Charleston. WV.

He joined the US Army Reserves in 1986 as Military Police and was honorably discharged in 1994. After graduating from Ripley High School, he began working at STAR Plastics as the Technical Lead in Ravenswood, WV with a career of 33 years. It was there he met his future wife and love of his life, Pamela Larkins. They were married in 1997 and together they shared 23 wonderful years.

Mickey enjoyed tending to the garden with Pam and working on projects around the house. He loved to hang out in the kitchen, or out in the yard with his granddaughters. Mickey was known for putting a smile on your face, or sharing his advice no matter the situation.

He is survived by his mother, Julia Catherine (Reed) Ballard of Ripley WV; sons, Chase and Logan Ballard; daughter, Brianne Perry (Todd) of Bainbridge, Ohio; granddaughters, Jaden and Jillian Proffitt of Portland, Ohio and Josie Perry of Bainbridge, Ohio; and great-grandson, Grayson Proffitt; brother, Michael “Joe” Ballard (Joy) of Ripley WV; sisters, Evelyn Sue Lucas of Grove City, Ohio, and Catherine “Cathy” Pursley (Jason) of Sandyville, WV; sister-in-law, Cheryl Baylor; and brother-in-law, Brent Larkins. Preceded in death by his father, Hugh “Dusty” Ballard Jr; beloved wife, Pamela Ballard; sister, Angela Gail Ballard; and stepsons, Jamie Proffitt and Chris Proffitt.

Visitation will be held at Roush Funeral Home in Ravenswood, WV on Monday, February 23 at 11:00 am followed by a funeral service at 12:00 pm. Graveside services will be held at Browning Cemetery in Portland, Ohio immediately following.

Condolences may be expressed on our page or website at roushfuneralhome.net

02/17/2026

Helen Johnson Kelly

Helen Johnson Kelly died February 15, 2026 at Ravenswood Village. She was born September 24, 1939 to Floyd “Dick” and Velva Opal Johnson in Roane County WV.

She was preceded in death by her parents as well as seven of her eight siblings Doyal Johnson, Lovell Johnson, Dencil Johnson, Jack Johnson, Doris Crotty, Argeline Riddle, and Gail Harrison.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 68 years, Samuel J. Kelly; her children Kemp Kelly (Rhonda), and Karen Poorman (Mark); sister Agnes King; four cherished grandchildren: Adrienne Kelly (Jon), Tyler Kelly, Marissa Campbell (Shep), and Matthew Poorman (Kaitlyn); Dianna Moore (mother of Adrienne and Tyler); ten great-grandchildren: Payton Casto (Ethan), Slevin Godwin, Bristol Godwin, Amsley Godwin, Reid Godwin, Mason Poorman, Audrey Poorman, Maximus Campbell, Levi Campbell, and Crew Campbell; three great-great-grandchildren Cooper Weekley, Brynlee Weekley, Navy Weekley.

Helen lived a life of service, she gave of herself to her family, friends, and church. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Ravenswood. She was a 1957 graduate from Stonewall Jackson High School in Charleston, WV. She and Sam started their married life in Sissonville, WV raising their children there and cheering them on in endless sports and activities. They moved to Sherman, WV in 1979 and enjoyed many years in the country surrounded by their children and grandchildren.

Arrangements are being handled by Roush Funeral home, there will be no service per her request.

Condolences may be expressed on our page, or on our website at roushfuneralhome.net

02/06/2026

Geraldine Watkins, born July 3, 1925, passed away on February 5, 2026, at her home in Sherman, WV, surrounded by her family following a brief illness.

She was a loving wife, devoted mother and mother-in-law, cherished grandmother, and a proud great and great-great grandmother whose presence brought joy and love to everyone whom she encountered.

Geraldine was involved in the Women’s CEO’s of Sherman, WV; her faith and love worshiping and serving her Lord and Savior where she attended Fannin Chapel and Vista Church.

In addition to her parents, Geraldine was preceded in death by her loving husband, Arthur H. Watkins; her sons, Eugene Watkins (Donna), Robert Watkins (Karri); daughters, Billy Gean Rader (Okey Rader), Alice Faye Hatcher (Romey Hatcher); and son-in-law, Davy Fields.

Geraldine leaves behind her sons, Garry Watkins (Lou Donna), Larry Watkins (Stella), Richard Watkins (Katrina), Timothy Watkins; daughter, Peggy Fields (Don); her grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, too many to list individually. She was not only an amazing wife and mother, but also grandmother.

Services will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Roush Funeral Home in Ravenswood, WV with Pastor Arron Milhourne officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Tuesday. The graveside rites will follow the funeral service at Ravenswood Cemetery, Ravenswood, WV.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on our page or on our website at roushfuneralhome.net.

02/04/2026

Barbara J. Allman, born January 25, 1953 passed away February 3, 2026 at Camden Clark Hospital after a brief illness. She was a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and proud great-grandmother, whose presence brought warmth and love to everyone who knew her.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Franklin Jones and Dorothy Jones, and her beloved grandson, Spencer.

She is survived by her soulmate and husband of 56 years, Brady Allman, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and memories. She also leaves behind her daughter, Kimberly Allman; her granddaughters Kayla Jordan, Krista Gandee, (Dillon), Kara Buenaventura (IJ), and Isabella Morgan (Tre); and her treasured great-grandchildren Easton and Mason Gandee and Jacobi and Avalana Buenaventura who were the light of her life.

Barbara had a creative spirit and found great joy in crafting, a hobby she truly loved. She was also very fond of animals, finding comfort and happiness in their companionship. A good shopping trip was one of her simple pleasures, and she always knew how to find something special. She proudly served her community as a Girl Scout leader, touching the lives of many young girls, and was a former member of the Ravenswood Civics Club, where she enjoyed being involved and giving back.

Above all else, Barbara was an amazing mother and grandmother, pouring her love endlessly into her family. Her kindness, warmth, and unwavering love will be missed terribly every single day, but her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the family she adored so deeply.

Friends may visit on Friday, February 6, 2026 at Roush Funeral Home from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, graveside rites being held at Ravenswood Cemetery at 2:15 pm.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on our page or on our website at roushfuneralhome.net

02/03/2026

Tabetha (Tabby) Lee, 51, of Ripley, WV, passed away on January 31, 2026 in her home in Ravenswood.

Tabby was born in Ripley to Vici Abshire and James Myers on July 1, 1974.

Tabby was a loving mother. She enjoyed spending time with her children and doing fun crafts. She loved to draw and color. She was a kind woman and a great mother and she always cared for others.

Tabby is preceded in death by her mother, Vici Abshire, her father, James Myers, her grandmother, Betty Ann Abshire, her grandfather, James Carney Abshire, and her brother, Jerry Garnes.

Tabby is survived by her children, Sierra Lee and Joel Lee; her brothers, Shaun Myers and his wife, Carrie Myers, Nathin Myers, and Jimmy Garnes; her sisters, Anna Clinton and Tammy White; her aunts, Karen Anderson and Teresa Abshire Miller; her uncle, James Abshire and his wife, Beth; and many cousins, nephews and nieces, who all loved her very much.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Roush Funeral Home, P.O. Box 933, Ravenswood, WV 26164 to help with expenses.

Services will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Roush Funeral Home in Ravenswood, WV.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on our page, or on our website at roushfuneralhome.net

01/24/2026

Donald Edwin Balis
November 25, 1942- January 23, 2026

Donald Edwin Balis, 83, was born in Silverton, WV. In June 1962, Donald married the love of his life, Jean Bail of Hillsdale, Michigan. Donald was a man of deep faith, boundless friendliness, and unwavering commitment to sharing God’s love wherever life took him.
Donald honorably served his country through military service, an experience that shaped his lifelong sense of duty, discipline, and compassion for others. With his wife, Jean, they followed a call into ministry by pastoring churches across several states, including West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, and Oklahoma. He faithfully shepherded congregations and touched countless lives through his preaching, counsel, and genuine care for people.
For many years, Donald also served as an evangelist for the Church of the Nazarene. His passion for spreading the Gospel was evident in every conversation, sermon, and encounter. Evangelism was not simply something he did; it was who he was.
In addition to his ministry, Donald owned and operated his own trucking business for many years. He saw his work on the road as another mission field, using every mile traveled and every stop made as an opportunity to witness, encourage, and share his faith. Whether at a truck stop, church, or chance meeting along the way, Donald made lasting impressions through his sincere interest in others.
Donald is preceded in death by beloved wife, Francis Jean (Bail) Balis; his parents, Luther G. and Velma C. (Ashcraft) Balis; his siblings, Emilee (DeVere) Deming, Olive Warner, and Earl Balis; his daughter-in-law, Tina (Stout) Balis; and his step-grandchild, Jonathan Thomas.
Donald is survived by his four beloved children: Timothy (Late Tina) Balis, Cheryl (Robert) Thomas, Victoria Balis, and Dawn Balis Updike. He leaves behind his brother-in-law, Guy Warner. He leaves behind eight grandchildren: Caleb (Ashlee) Thomas, Cody Thomas, Erin Thomas, Audra (Matthew) Wilkinson, Benjamin (Carlye) Balis, David Balis, Sera Balis, and Lauren (Justin) Bradley. He leaves behind one step-grandchild, Robert Lee Thomas, Jr., as well as five great-grandchildren: Evan Wilkinson, Kenji Wilkinson, Jenson Wilkinson, Everlee Thomas, and Ryker Bradley, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Donald’s legacy also extends to those he lovingly embraced as family: daughter of the heart, Susan Vanscoy, and grandchildren of the heart: Rachel (Nick) Pease, Elayna (Josh) Shirk, Nichol Vanscoy Adams, Tomi-Renee (Jeremy) Pullens, and their children.
Donald Balis will be remembered as a devoted servant of God, a faithful pastor and evangelist, a hardworking businessman, and a friend to everyone he met. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched through his faith, generosity, and unwavering belief that every person mattered.
The funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the Ravenswood Church of the Nazarene. Friends may visit the family from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Wednesday. Burial will follow at Ravenswood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Family Life Center at Ravenswood Church of the Nazarene.
Condolences may be expressed to the family on our page or website at roushfuneralhome.net

01/20/2026

Martha LeeAnn Reynolds, 44, of Ravenswood, West Virginia, passed away on January 19, 2026 at Camden Clark Medical Center in Parkersburg, West Virginia.

She was born on September 9, 1981 in Mason County, West Virginia, daughter of Anthony Doyle Reynolds and the late Elizabeth Ann Hodge.

Martha was a homemaker who found her greatest joy in her family. She deeply loved her daughter and cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren and the rest of her family. In her free time, she enjoyed dancing, singing karaoke, and being creative through wood burning arts and crafts. She also had a love for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

She is survived by her father, Anthony “Tony” Reynolds; daughter, Seaira Bethann Casto; several grandchildren; and the love of her life, Bobby Casto.

In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her grandmother, Louise Reynolds.

Per her wishes, she will be cremated and with no formal services to be had.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Roush Funeral Home, P.O. Box 933 Ravenswood, West Virginia, 26164, to help the family with expenses.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on our page, or on our website at roushfuneralhome.net

01/05/2026

From the family of Christeena Caplinger

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